Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon shows why he's the ultimate team player

Finland edged Canada 2-1 in a shootout today, tightening the gap for second place in Group A.

In Monday's IIHF World Championship preliminary game between Canada and Finland, a scrum ensued behind the Finland net.

Macklin Celebrini, Canada's youngest player got into a scrap with Finnish defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo. MacKinnon took exception to Matinpalo's actions and immediately defended his teammate.

In a pretty even game, Finland entered the third period with greater urgency and got rewarded. Matinpalo had the last laugh when his shot from the point was deflected in front by Patrik Puistola, who then pounced on the loose puck at his feet and buried it at 7:01. Suomi maintained the pressure briefly, but Canada pushed back hard and controlled the rest of the game, yet couldn't find the go-ahead goal.

Finland would eventually go on to win the battle with a 2-1 victory in a shootout.

It was Canada's first loss after five straight wins, while Team Finland improves to 4-1-0-1 in the tournament.

MacKinnon is currently tied for third in points in the tournament with 10 (6 goals and 4 assists) in 6 games.

MacKinnon and Canada will look to bounce back when they wrap up their preliminary round against the tournament-hosts Sweden on Tuesday at 12:20pm MT.

Sweden sits first in Group A, two points ahead of Canada.